May’s full Blood Moon will be the most watched lunar event in 2021. On Wednesday May 26th, the Full Flower Moon will be in total eclipse (5:14 AM, MST). As the earth, sun, and moon line up in a straight row, the earth’s shadow will block sunlight from shining on the surface of the moon, making it look a rich dark reddish color. This phenomena has been lovingly termed as a blood moon. Also, as if the eclipse wasn’t enough to get sky-watchers excited, this is also a super moon. Super moon’s occur several times each year, but the Full Flower Super Moon will be the closest to earth of any other this year.
According to the experts, only a portion of this total eclipse will be visible since it is early in the morning. If you are in Mountain Time, keeps your eyes peeled to the Southwest at 3:44 AM. The moon will start turning red and by 5:11 AM will enter the total eclipse phase, reaching maximum total eclipse by 5:18 AM. The event will end at 5:25 with the moon low on the horizon. “The total eclipse itself will only be visible from the High Plains, the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Coast” in the United States, AccuWeather says. “The eclipse will also be visible for parts of South America, Asia and eastern Asia.”
Traditionally the May full moon is referred to as the flower moon as there are so many flowers blooming across the land. It’s also known as the Hare Moon, Corn Planting Moon and the Milk Moon.
Our ritual tonight will focus on banishing. It is different than our normal monthly cleansing and clearing rituals as it involves some spellwork. Several years ago we included spellwork in many of our full moon rituals, but with the virus, went to a format that was geared to very small groups or individual practices. The blood moon seemed like the right time to get back to our roots and bring that important work back into the monthly sessions. I suggest you read through this thoroughly and decide for yourself if it is right for you or not. At the Gypsy Thread, we honor and respect all who visit and have no interest in indoctrinating, influencing or otherwise pushing someone to do something they are not comfortable. Blessed Be!
In order to perform this ritual as written, you’ll need the following items:
Quarter Candles (yellow, red, blue, green)
Large White Goddess Candle – (We prefer a three wick candle to symbolize the triple Goddess aspect)
Paper and pencil for each participant
Fire pit or cauldron suitable for safely burning small objects and paper
Black candle
Altar
This is intended to be performed outdoors, under the light of the full worm moon – dress appropriately and use proper fire safety.
<Anything in the ritual that is contained with <> should be understood as instructional for the ritual leader and should not be spoken aloud>
Ritual Begins
This circle cast spreads all around, up to the sky above and below the ground, this area now working base, a sacred place, and a comfort space! Blessed Be!
Calling the Quarters
All eyes look to the East where the great spirits of Air reside. As the night air slips effortlessly across the landscape, we are reminded that just because we cannot see something, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Likewise we cannot comprehend it’s power or it’s next move. Yet, we must have faith to trust in the natural world and the results that occur. <light yellow candle>
Turn to the South, where the great spirits of Fire make their berth. Although spring is upon us, the nights are still cold. We are reminded that we are dependent on fire for warmth, light, and comfort. As nature is unpredictable, we must have faith that we can overcome any obstacle that is in our path, whether intentional or unintentional. <light red candle>
Now look to the West, where the great spirits of Water have their origins. Water is life, yet we so often take it for granted. Sometimes for quenching our thirst, other times for watering our crops, and in rare times, to shed tears of joy or sadness. Tonight let us remember the great lesson of flexibility that water teaches us. <light blue candle>
And now to the North, the direction where the great spirits of Earth have their homes. As with each full moon, we seek to be grounded and closer to the earth spirits so as to remember that all things start small and reach for great heights. We are reminded that there is only one planet and conservation and care are paramount for future generations. Tonight we seek guidance to help preserve and protect that which has been given to us so freely. <light green candle>
Great Goddess, she who walks among us, yet also above us, and in realms beyond our comprehension. We send out a collective call across the universe for you to join us in this gathered circle under this amazing blood moon. We seek your wisdom, your comfort, your blessings, and understanding as we engage in a great life-changing banishing. <light Goddess candle>
Musical Interlude
Music is an integral part of celebrating; a practice which dates back as far as humankind. I like to pick a song that suits the particular season or event, just to make it a bit more thematic. For this ritual it was easy. Enjoy “Blood Moon” by YOAV.
Opening statement
The theme of our ritual tonight is banishing, or simply getting rid of negative, unnecessary, and unwanted energies that are part of our lives. Some of us carry baggage from our past, some of us just seem to be depositories for negative energy from others, and still others may be plagued with an entity that is draining and suffocating. Regardless of which type and strength of what each of us are dealing with, negative energy is negative energy and it needs to go. And remember that this applies to people as well. Our circles are sometimes inhabited by individuals that are disingenuous and only close to us in order to feed from our good energy and pollute our space with negativity. This negativity will slowly consume and transform people into something they really don’t wish to be.
If you find yourself complaining more than usual, making comparisons with others for the sake of finding fault with another’s success, criticizing things, even the smallest things, then you are in need of a cleanse. You may also feel smothered, out of control, and have a need to place blame for everything you perceive as wrong in your life on someone else. Your moods might swing on a dime and you can have periods of mild to moderate depression or unexplained sadness if you have a lot of negative energy in your space. Even simple everyday tasks can make you angry, frustrated, or helpless. These are just a few examples, but there are many more.
The key is to find the root to this destructive pattern. What or who is the reason why you feel this way? Do you frequent a place where negative baggage can get attached to you? Are there environmental factors which seem to suck the very life out of you? Reflect on things and get to the root causes. Once you know them, it’s time to banish them forever.
Full Flower Blood Moon Banishing
Every month we gather under the full moon to rid ourselves of unwanted baggage. Tonight we’re going to do an easy banishing spell. A banishing spell can work in several ways. It can be specifically targeted to cast someone or something out of your life and prevent them/it from coming back. A banishing spell can also be performed without a specific target, and used to remove negative energy in general. There are many variations of these types of spells and regardless of which you choose, remember that intention is the key to success. Remember that once you decide to take this step, you need to also make any necessary changes in your life to avoid getting caught up in the trap again. If you find yourself unhappy after coming home from a certain hangout or club, then stop going there. If someone is constantly trying to draw you into an environment where you no longer feel comfortable, then make a clean break with that person.
<Ritual leader should distribute paper & pencils>
First step is to write down that which you wish to banish in the middle of your paper. Focus your intentions on this topic/person and nothing more. Be specific in what you want to achieve – vague spellwork gets vague results. Do not use this process to imply or try to cause harm to someone or someplace; remember to do no harm.
<Ritual leader should light the black candle>
Start burning the edges of your paper utilizing the flame of the black candle while you are releasing negative associations. Call them out loud if you wish, but stay focused. Continue to burn around the paper until no more reasons remain as to why you are banishing this person/place/thing and nothing is left but what you’ve written. You should already feel lighter at this point.
Approach the fire pit and say aloud, “I banish that which no longer serves me! I banish the negative energy associated with that which is plaguing me! I banish that which has a hold on me! I banish that which seeks to control me! I banish those who wish to feed on my positive energy! I banish that which is not in my greatest and highest good! So Mote it Be!”
Drop the remaining paper in the fire so that it totally burns away. Keep your intention focused as you watch the smoke drift upward and away.
State the following, “The world turns, fire burns, intentions made, consequences weighed, of my own free will, on parchment with quill, my spell is cast, for what I’ve asked, release from me that which no longer betters me, from this point on, the damage gone, a better me, blessed be!”
Keep your intention focused for as long as you feel necessary. Make sure you find something positive to fill in that space you’ve just cleared out.
Cakes & Ale
Depending on the weather and the make-up of your group, you may choose to have a few libations and food at this time. Talk, share stories, and get to know your fellow citizens of the earth.
Closing the Full Flower Blood Moon Circle
Earth spirits, we offer our eternal thanks for joining us in our blood moon circle. Although we may become lapse in memory and forget the many blessings afforded to us by this great planet, do not see it as negative, for we are only human. Remind us in our daily activities that we should be grateful and act to preserve that which we have been given freely and do no harm whenever possible. <extinguish green candle>
Water spirits, we wish you well as you take leave from our full flower moon circle. Whether ice, vapor or liquid water, the lesson is always the same, no matter what state we find ourselves in, we must always remain true to our path and not deviate. If a boulder is blocking our way, then we go around it, over it, or in some cases, through it. All things can change, rearrange, and yet still remain the same deep within their core. <extinguish blue candle>
Fire spirits, we bid you leave for now. We offer our thanks and appreciation for the gift of light, comfort and warmth and the great power to burn away those things which no longer serve us. As we go out into the world we go with a newly found sense of lightness and purpose. <extinguish red candle>
Air spirits, we bid you farewell as you take flight and ascend back to the realm of your existence. Each of us shall be reminded whenever the summer breeze crosses our brow, that faith and trust are paramount for our existence, and that we must put that faith in the natural world. . <extinguish yellow candle>
Great Goddess, we thank you for your wisdom and love, for your guidance and comfort, and for your compassion and forgiveness. At times, we find ourselves lost in the busy world around us, but even in that chaos, we know you are always there keeping watch. Thank you infinitely! <extinguish Goddess candle>
This circle is now open!
Huzzah!
Additional Reading
Visit The Complete Catalogue of Rites and Rituals
For a complete calendar of full moons, astrological, pagan, and other holiday’s, check out our 2021 edition
Blood Moon – Harbinger of Doom, End of Days, or Just Cool Looking?
- October’s Full Hunter’s Moon 2024 -Joining the Ancient Hunt - October 12, 2024
- September’s Full Harvest Moon Ritual for 2024 - September 12, 2024
- May’s Full Flower Moon 2024 – Blessed Abundance - May 22, 2024
A great post without any doubt.